Mud Run Obstacle Course Guide: What To Expect And How To Prepare For Your First Mud Run

You’ve probably seen or heard about some kind of mud run lately. (Everyone’s doin it!)

But you may be wondering what they’re really like.

I know at least one of my friends refused to participate in a mud run with me simply because she didn’t know what to expect.

Well, here’s the dirt about mud runs, plus some helpful tips that I put together after participating in my first mud run…

What Is A Mud Run?

A very basic mud run is just that — a regular race like a 5K with some mud puddles to slog through.

Regardless of the mileage (2 to 20 miles, or more), most mud runs involve some type of obstacle elements in addition to the mud.

These obstacles (described below) are designed to challenge you both physically and mentally. They will take you out of your comfort zone and have you trying things that you might not normally do.

The obstacles are spread out over the course. For example, a 5K might have 11 obstacles spaced throughout. 5K seems to be the most common distance for the mud events, but some will be shorter and some longer.

(By the way, I’ve read that some of the shorter events have the hardest obstacles!)

From here on, I’ll use the term “mud run” to refer to any mud run/walk event with obstacles.

Why Are Mud Runs Popular?

So, why are mud runs suddenly so popular, and why are so many people doing them?

Some reasons people say they like mud runs:

For the personal challenge; to see what you can do when you put your mind to it

For the exercise and level of fitness that results; it’s a way to stay active

For the camradarie; having something fun to do with friends

For the charities; being able to make a difference

For the sense of accomplishment; setting and meeting goals

For the fun activities without all the competition

Obstacle mud runs exploded in popularity in 2011. Races like the Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, and Warrior Dash require athletes to display bothstrength and endurance as they navigate obstacles spread out over courses ranging from 3 to 12 miles. That combination can be a challenge for many athletes. Most runners have no problem completing the distance, but often lack the strength to handle the challenges. Many anaerobic athletes breeze through the challenges, but struggle with distance running. Source

Currently, there are over 300 different mud runs listed online at the Mud Run Guide.

What To Expect At Your First Mud Run

You can count on a party atmosphere from the moment you check in, with music playing and everyone having a good time.

The event organizers typically encourage you to sign up in teams, and many mud runs are family-friendly.

Groups who do the run together build teamwork and camaraderie and have a shared experience to look back on.

BONUS: Although all mud runs are similar in nature, events are all different from one other, so groups that have fun at one event can attend a different mud run and know they will have a great time without it being an exact repeat of the first one.

Mud runs are a fun way to push your exercise routine in a different way — because the obstacles often involve upper body activity, which regular runners miss out on.

Some obstacles also require a buddy to get through them, so teams of 2 or more can work together to offer supporting hands and cheers as you work through the course.

You will also achieve a personal level of individual accomplishment as you navigate the course.

For example, I have a little thing about heights. I can jump out of air planes and I will ride the tallest roller coaster, but when it comes to me using my own legs to climb up something… I can get a little wigged out. So I was excited and nervous about my first mud run, because I knew climbing would be involved. Challenging myself in this way is part of the reason I wanted to do a mud run.

The Death Drop: A 40 ft inflatable slide. I don’t handle heights well. I handle falling from those heights even less well. The panic hit me about half way up the ladder. My knees buckled. I shook all over. I froze for a second, my teammate cheering my on from the top. The world silenced as I slowly edged my way to the top. I didn’t want to look over the side, but I did, after which I promptly told the attendant that he could call the helicopter any time, because there was no way I was going over the side. Well, there was no helicopter, and there wasn’t going to be any helicopter. My only option was to let go and plummet to the bottom. I am happy to report that I survived the fall. I have pictures and clean pants to prove it! We finished the race, and I have seldom felt such a sense of accomplishment and power within myself. Source

Preparing For Your First Mud Run

To prepare for a mud run, you will want to consider the following:

• Fitness Level and Training – I am not a runner, but I walk for exercise, and I like the idea of obstacle events. Ten of my female cousins and I signed up for our first ever mud run – the Dirty Girl 5K Mud Run. Our fitness levels ranged from limited walking while recovering from back surgery to hardcore racing. We were able to complete all the obstacles, with the exception of 2 that my cousin with back surgery opted to skip (and after watching the rest of us complete them, she thought she could probably have safely done them). Whether you plan to run or walk the event, train accordingly! If there are obstacles at your event, you will want to add some upper body strength training. Check out your event website to see if they describe the obstacles — because that will help you know what types of things to expect and train for. A good rule of thumb is “you should have a baseline level of fitness that will allow you to participate safely and not be an undue burden on those around you or blocking their path.”

• Clothes – Most mud run events will be held rain or shine, so plan to dress for the weather. Remember the mud will be heavy, and it will weigh down your clothes. You won’t want to wear loose-fitting elastic pants unless you can tie them and tighten them. There may be obstacles where you must use both hands, and you will not be able to pull up your pants if they start falling down. Ideally, you will want to wear moisture-wicking clothes to help repel the mud.

• Shoes – Wear good supportive running/walking shoes that you have already broken in and trained in. There may be mud pits that will suck your shoes right off your feet, so make sure they are securely tied. Several people at my event wrapped duct tape around the laces and bottom of their shoes for extra support. While you may want to wash your shoes after the event (especially if you plan to do more mud runs), your shoes will be completely mud-sodden when you are done, so it’s best to ditch or donate them. Many event organizers collect all of the muddy shoes to clean and donate.

• Costumes – At my event, at least 25% of the participants wore some kind of costume. They can range from matching t-shirts with a team name to full on character costumes. The theme for your costume can be in support of the sponsor or benefactor of your event (the Dirty Girl supports breast cancer research organizations in the local community) or it can be something fun representing your team. My team name was Dirty Dolls, and we dolled up in minimal costumes (matching shirts and headbands, pearl necklaces, and red lips and nail polish). It was fun to be in costume, and we saw fun outfits all day. Just be careful to choose costumes that can carry the weight of the mud, and that will not hinder you on the obstacles.

• Team vs Alone – If you have friends or family members who want to do the run with you, by all means form a team! Usually the first person to register will record the team name, and the next people to register will be able to add themselves to the team. An event like a mud run with obstacles is definitely fun with a group of people that you know, but if your friends are all sticks in the mud and you will be running alone, go for it! The fun and camaraderie is shared by everyone at the event, and you will only be by yourself by choice.

What Are The Obstacles Like?

While each mud run event will be unique based on location, terrain, difficulty level, duration, sponsor, and other variables, there will be many similarities.

Review the event website to see if they describe the obstacles in detail. There might even be a video, so you can see participants in action.

We had some interesting obstacles on the Dirty Girl mud run. In addition, I have reviewed several other mud run events. It’s safe to say that you will encounter some version of the following obstacles:

• Mud Pits – It’s just what it sounds like: a pit of mud that you slog through. There were several of these at my event – some of them man-made and about a foot deep. One was a lake that went as high as my waist (and even higher for shorter people). We also went in and out of a creek several times. Some of the other obstacles also had a pit of mud under them (…or waiting for us at the end of them). All of the mud at my event was muddy water at the top, dropping to squishy mud that covers (and sucks off) your shoes at the bottom. Other events have different kinds of mud that can be really, really thick and deep (think of a really stiff oatmeal), making it much more difficult to walk/run/slog through it.

• Army Crawls – You tackle these on your hands and knees — often down to your belly — and sometimes even your face will be in the mud. You will crawl under something or through something, or both. Many mud run events have you army crawl under barbed wire, some under fire. At my event we crawled through a long tube. I was able to be on my hands and knees, and the dirt was a couple of inches deep. At other events the mud is thick like oatmeal, making this crawl even more difficult. My biggest challenge was that the dirt was full of little pebbles that felt like they were cutting into my knees and hands. (And I did have some cuts after the event.)

• Climbing Over Walls – When you’re climbing walls on the course, they may have ropes to help you pull yourself up, they may have slim ledges you can climb on, or they may have neither. Again, slippery!

• Jumping – Often you’ll be jumping over something, into something, down from something, probably mud-related, and possibly fire-related. Yes, that’s correct, at some mud run events you will jump over fire.

• Cargo Nets – My event had cargo nets 2 different ways: (1) like a tent… climbing up one side to the peak and then down the other side and (2) straight across horizontally… like a trampoline. It was actually harder to go straight across.

• Rope Pulls – You’ll be using a rope that is secured at the top of something to pull yourself up. We had to do this several times from the creek bed up the side of the creek. As more people did this, the side became very slippery and difficult to climb. I don’t have great upper body strength and this became my biggest challenge. I was also really sore from it the next day!

• Zip Lines – You will be connected to a harness/seat of some sort, which will clip onto a secured line, allowing you to slide (or zip) down the line.

• Monkey Bars – Just like the monkey bars on a playground. Some mud run events have other versions — like monkey bars at an angle — where you need upper body strength to get across.

• Water – You may walk through water (such as a pond or pool), crawl through water, jump into water, or traverse across water on a wobbly float. You may need to plunge underwater and hold your breath to get under a wall or some logs. You may slide into a pool of water and go under. Some events have you jump from a dock or a ledge into deep water, where you will definitely go over your head. I found one mud run event (Met Con Blue – Full Metal Jacket) that says you “must have a commanding grasp of swimming”. If you are not a confident swimmer, talk to one of the obstacle facilitators for help with that particular obstacle, or just go around that obstacle.

• Natural Terrain Challenges – The unique location for each mud run event will allow for some all-natural elements for obstacles — such as climbing up and down steep woodland hills or traversing in, out and through rough and rocky creeks. There’s a great video of different obstacles for the Big Dog Brag event to give you an idea of what some of these can look like.

Every race location sets up its obstacles at different intervals. Sometimes you’ll encounter obstacles that are spaced evenly apart, say every half to full mile away from the next. Sometimes you’ll encounter several obstacles in a row, or run over a mile without encountering any obstacle at all. Typically, how often you’ll encounter an obstacle depends on the local terrain where the race is held — often out in the country, in fields, and even encompassing park areas that have dirt trails. Source

What If You Try An Obstacle But Can’t Complete It?

If an obstacle is getting the best of you, the first thing to do is ask for help from your teammates or other participants.

Many obstacles cannot be completed by individuals — such as the 12-foot wall with no rope or steps where participants must help each other over the wall. Sometimes a helping hand (or push!) will make all the difference.

It seemed like before me stood every negative thought in my head that was saying, “You can’t do this, back down now,” in wooden wall form. And it was right, I couldn’t. I even verbalized that to my teammates and started trying to walk away. I didn’t want any more of this. Nope, one of my long-time friends wasn’t letting me off that easy. He pushed me back to the wall. I gained footing on the ledge half-way up and then they elevated me to the top. I swung myself over and dropped down. I took to a knee and was breathing heavy. But damn that was cool. It felt amazing to have friends there willing to pick you up and get you over your own insecurities, doubts and fears. I had never felt that type of bonding in such a tangible, gritty way. Source

But what if you are scared to try one of the obstacles?

One of the reasons many people participate in these types of events is to push themselves with new challenges, as well as to try and conquer old fears. So first, use the support of those around you and the positive energy of the atmosphere to give it a try. You might surprise yourself! You will never regret it if you try and still can’t do it, but you will regret not trying.

One of the most extreme mud run events, the Tough Mudder, actually encourages teamwork and states that camaraderie is just as important as the obstacles themselves:

We encourage mudders to work together to dominate whatever hurdles we throw their way. Whether it’s hoisting one another over a lubed-up quarter pipe or buddying up for laps in frigid water, Tough Mudder is all about being there for one another. But don’t worry, that warm and fuzzy feeling isn’t your inner stone-cold killer wimping out, it’s probably the next obstacle that we’ve set on fire.

If you truly are unable to complete an obstacle, go ahead and go around it. Some events do keep track of everyone’s time and have prizes (or rewards) for those who complete the entire course — including all obstacles — so you may have to forfeit that opportunity if you skip an element, but you can certainly skip obstacles if you choose.

Other Things You Can Expect At A Mud Run

Most mud run events clearly state that it is not a race. The goal is for you to have fun, challenge yourself, and to safely finish the event.

You and your team will be able to set your own pace as you do the course, based also on how fast the people in front of you are going.

There are typically multiple starting times (waves) throughout the day — to help control the flow on the course. For example, at the Dirty Girl event, the first wave of the day is the only timed event, and all the diehard runners tend to sign up for that wave.

My team and I walked the entire course together. Those in our group who wanted to run for a little bit waited for the rest of us at the next obstacle.

There was a good mix of runners and walkers at the Dirty Girl mud run, although most of the course was set in a field — which was filled with rocks and holes — making it a safety concern.

Speaking of safety, medical personnel should be present on-site at any mud run event. If you have questions about that or have specific medical concerns, you should contact the event organizers prior to your event. Ideally, there will be volunteer staff present at each obstacle and at each water station, in the event that someone needs assistance.

At many mud run events, photographers are walking throughout the course taking pictures. These are available to view on the event organizer’s website after the event. (Search for your group members with the number assigned on your race bibs.)

TIP: My group also took disposable waterproof cameras. I was really glad we did this, as there were not very many pictures of my group on the official site. Keep in mind, you will have to strap the camera to you at times when you need both hands for an obstacle. We took turns with the camera, and I tied the strap around the shoulder of my t-shirt when necessary.

After celebrating at the finish line, grab your gear bag and find the showers. Be sure to check the event’s website in advance to confirm the availability of a gear check station and showers. Some of the showers will be really primitive (like individual water hoses) while others may be better (like fireman hoses). The Dirty Girl mud run had a fantastic indoor tent facility with over 50 individual shower nozzles. However, I’m told the majority of mud run showers pale in comparison.

Finally, you’re ready to enjoy the food, drink, and entertainment area. Of course each event will be different, so review event materials to see what yours will be like. Many events offer “1 free drink/beer” with your entry fee. You will need money for other drinks and food. Other possible attractions include games, massages, temporary tattoos, hair braiding, souvenirs, etc.

Find A Mud Run Near You

So are you ready to do a mud run? (I know I’m ready to do another one!)

Good To Know Before You Go…

#1 – Sign up early. It’s usually cheaper the earlier you sign up. The fee goes up closer to the event. The entry fee for your event will go towards the cost of the event, with the rest likely donated to a specified charity. Most mud runs do not have additional fundraising expectations, but check the event materials to make sure.

#2 – Schedule your start time early. Start as early in the day as you can. That way you will avoid lines at the obstacles and have access to the freshest course. Some obstacles become worn down and slippery after so many people trample on them that they become much more difficult. At my event, the lines for the obstacles grew increasingly longer as the very hot day went on, and I was grateful for my early start time.

#3 – Read all the guidelines and tips on the website for your event. There should be specialized suggestions based on the event details. like parking (most events have free parking available), spectator fees (while spectators are welcome at all events, some do charge a fee), and age requirements (I’ve seen age limits from 14 to 21).

#4 – Things to take: a change of clothes and shoes (duh), baby wipes (to get mud out of your ears and other tiny nooks and crannies), towels (for after you get hosed down or shower), a large plastic garbage bag (for your wet and muddy clothes), gloves/knee pads/elbow pads (in my group, we all agreed we would like to wear knee pads next time; I might even wear gloves the next time because several obstacles had me pulling or holding onto ropes, which were tough on my sensitive hands that weren’t used to handling ropes).

I’ve been crafting for many years. I started with cross-stitching, then moved on to wearable art, projects with painted wood, fabric crafts, and paper crafts — which has transformed primarily into card making. I also do some rubber stamping and scrapbooking, but mostly I enjoy creating handmade, one-of-a-kind cards.

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